WAY #19: ACCEPT AND DON’T CAST STONES

 
ACCEPT AND DON’T CAST STONES. God’s love opens the doors of our church to all people. Just as Jesus did, welcome people as they are. It’s not up to us to judge. Love unconditionally, and as Christ has received you, receive others.
 
a Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people – even eating with them! (Luke 15: 1, 2)
 
b Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (Romans 15: 7)
 
Ideas for Action: Approach someone you normally avoid at church for whatever reason. Make a point to speak to them this week.

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:
 
John 8:87-11
THINK: Jesus has no desire to throw rocks. He desires to free people from condemnation. Normally, we think that since He is sinless, He has the right to judge; but what if it is because He is sinless that He can judge well. It is our sin that wants judgement, and our sin that desires condemnation. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones because it fulfills Jesus’ desire in our actions.
PRAY: God would remove the sin in you that desires condemnation and punishment.
TUESDAY:
 
Matthew 7:1-5
THINK: Jesus has no desire to throw rocks. He desires to free people from condemnation. Normally, we think that since He is sinless, He has the right to judge; but what if it is because He is sinless that He can judge well. It is our sin that wants judgement, and our sin that desires condemnation. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones because it fulfills Jesus’ desire in our actions.
PRAY: God would remove the sin in you that desires condemnation and punishment.

WEDNESDAY:

James 4:11-12
THINK: Were you the one who made and upholds the law? No? Then why are we so ready to use it to condemn others? It feels nice to sit in judgement, but it is not our place. We are a people of grace, and it is not a treasure to be guarded but a renewing resource to be shared. Don’t be stingy with grace, but spread it on thick. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones.
PRAY: Jesus would show you how how deep the wells of grace go.

THURSDAY:

Romans 2:1-3
THINK: What if we took God’s Word at its word. When you judge others yet sin, you condemn yourself. That should strike fear into most of our hearts. Have you condemned yourself this month? This week? Today? Because if you have sat in judgement over another, you have condemned yourself. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones because it is the only way you won’t be condemned.
PRAY: that you would fear God’s judgement more.

FRIDAY:

Ephesians 2:8-9
THINK: It is a gift of God. Salvation is received;righteousness is imparted; and we are made perfect in Him. These are works which God begins and completes in you. His work and grace, not yours. You know what God has done for you. How wonderful it would be if He did it for the bad people you tend to judge. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones so that God can work His grace.
PRAY: for someone you normally judge, that God would extend his grace to them.

SATURDAY:

James 4:6
THINK: At the end of the day, it is pride which desires judgement and condemnation. When we judge others, we can lift ourselves up. “Thank God I am not like them,” we say in our hearts. Accept and Don’t Cast Stones because you are like them, all have sinned, and yet God has chosen to pour out grace anyway. Can I get an Amen?
PRAY: the Spirit would keep you from seeking to feel better about yourself by judging others.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #19 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #19 Devotionals (Series Two)